Top 21 Beautiful Places to Visit in Costa Rica

For such a small country, my impression is that Costa Rica has been blessed with more than its fair share of natural beauty and is dotted with sublime beaches and tropical national parks.

It’s a great destination for visitors, but choosing where to visit can be challenging. From my many trips to this unique country, here are my favorite places…

1. Playa Uvita

Just south of Marino Ballena National Park, which regularly sees whales, is the stunning sandbar known as the Whale’s Tail at Playa Uvita.

When the tide is low, a sandbar extends out into the ocean like a whale tail-shaped peninsula. The town has plenty of bars and restaurants and is a great place for whale watching during the mating season.

My must-do highlights…

• Visit the most beautiful waterfall in the country, Nauyaca Waterfall, featuring natural swimming pools at the base.
• Watch the sun go down over the ocean at Uvita Beach and admire the sky as it turns an orange/pink color.
• Take a surfing lesson or practice your skills by riding the waves, ideal for beginners and intermediate levels.

2. Arenal Volcano 

For travelers who want to visit a real volcano with little chance of hazardous geothermic activity, Arenal Volcano is the place to go.

This once highly active volcano ceased its continual eruptions in 2010. Previously, Arenal Volcano was known as one of the most active volcano experiences in the country, attracting visitors for continuous explosions since 1968.

Although the majority of activity has ceased, it could resume in months or years. Apart from the volcano, the area is surrounded by mountains, lakes, and rivers that adventure-seeking tourists can explore.

My must-do highlights…

• Explore the surrounding area filled with lush greenery and unique old lava flow.
• Discover the largest lake in the country, Lake Arenal, where you can enjoy activities such as paddleboarding or kayaking.
• Walk to get the best views of the volcano by taking the trail along the hanging bridges.

3. Territorio De Zaguates (aka doggy paradise)

This wonderful place has now reached legendary status, especially among kind-hearted visitors! Sadly, the country’s stray dog problem is relatively severe, and this place was set up to help a handful of them. This wonderful dog sanctuary is called “The Land of a Thousand Strays.”

It is the largest no-kill facility in Costa Rica, home to an estimated 1300 dogs. If you are an avid dog lover or looking for another dog for your furry compadre to play with, the facility allows visitors to come to play with the dogs, go for playful hikes, and even bring their dogs along for playdates!

I highly recommend this place for something quite different to do.

• Find out more about how to visit the Land of the Thousand Strays

My must-do highlights

• Enjoy a fun hike with the dogs along the beautiful terrain and capture some Insta-worthy shots.
• Learn about the sanctuary and its positive progression since being set up.

4. Manuel Antonio National Park

Manuel Antonio is consistently listed as the best wilderness beach in the country. The undeveloped, jungle-surrounded beaches are stunning with white sand and blue-green water.

Wildlife spotting is easy here. Monkeys and lizards often cover the beach, and during mating season, you can see dolphins and whales offshore.

A visit to Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio should not be missed. This park is open Tuesdays through Sundays throughout the year, but visitors claim the best time to visit is during the dry season of December through April.

The park offers amazing hiking opportunities and allows visitors to enjoy the grandeur of the seas. Bring your camera and a few snacks for the journey, but as with all national parks, carry everything to minimize your impact on the wildlife.

A helpful hint: Admission to the park is $16 for adults, and children under 12 are free. However, many vendors along the road to the park will try to sell you admission tickets and tours.

They will look official but are not affiliated with the park. Do not fall for their tricks. Pay at the park’s entrance at the end of the road.

My must-do highlights…

• Cool down by taking a dip or going for a swim in the clear turquoise-colored waters.
• Take a guided tour around the park to explore the best spots for a great experience.
• Go kayaking through the mangrove forest to enjoy the tranquil sounds of the jungle.

5. Playa Samara

Beach life is given in this country, and Playa Samara is the place to go when in Guanacaste. Playa Samara is not your typical beach.

Its laid-back atmosphere contributes substantially longer lives for its residents than in other parts of the country. The people here are accepting; they enjoy the journey of experiencing life.

Excellent food and fun water activities such as snorkeling and diving are common here. Your quintessential beach experience awaits at Playa Samara.

Located on the southern Pacific coast of the Nicoya Peninsula in the province of Guanacaste, visitors here also love organic food, yoga, surfing, wild horses, friendly people, and the laid-back bohemian vibe. 

My must-do highlights…

• Sip on a refreshing cocktail at the beach club and indulge in some delicious food.
• Go snorkelling to swim through the magnificent underwater world.
• Relax along the golden sand shores whilst soaking up the rays of the sun.

6. Santa Teresa

Avid surfers from around the world know Santa Teresa. It is among the most famous surfer meccas in the world, and the atmosphere of Santa Teresa depicts this laid-back personality.

The landscape includes not merely beaches but beautiful rainforests to explore. Snorkeling, surfing, bird watching, and hiking are among the best activities to do in Santa Teresa, and rest assured, there is a photo op around every corner! 

My must-do highlights…

• Wander through the bohemian village filled with ice-cream cafes, shopping boutiques and wonderful restaurants.
• Check out one of the nighttime beach parties and dance around the sand while the sun goes down.
• For those who love to surf, the rough waves make this an ideal spot.

7. Monteverde Cloud Forest

There is a reason Monteverde is one of the most tourist-frequented places in the country: it is unbelievably beautiful. Beautiful national parks with undisturbed cloud forests, hundreds of species of birds, epic views, and volcanoes make it an eco-lover’s dream.

The outdoor activities here are endless, including hikes through the cloud forest, bird watching where you can spot the endangered Quetzal, canopy tours, walking across a suspension bridge, touring butterfly gardens, and simply relaxing and enjoying nature from the quaint town of Santa Elena.

My must-do highlights…

• A unique way to explore the forest is to take a guided nighttime tour.
• Go hiking to discover the suspended bridges amongst the magnificent scenic nature.
• Capture some breathtaking Instagrammable shots to remember your trip here.

8. Isla del Coco

This area is a mecca for experienced divers from around the world. Located south of the mainland, Isla del Coco is teeming with marine life, including white-tipped sharks and hammerheads.

The shimmering waters of this island, also known as Coco Island, offer the opportunity to explore ancient caves and even allow you to see caves and rock etchings by those who have traveled before you. On land, you will also notice a lot of pigs roaming around the island.

My must-do highlights…

• Go on a scuba diving excursion to see the spectacular world under the water.
• Explore through the caves and forests to be immersed in the beautiful scenery.
• Hike to the waterfall, where you can take a dip in the waters at the base of it.

9. Playa Conchal

Playa Conchal is consistently rated as one of the most beautiful beaches in the country. The white sand beach is made of millions of crushed seashells, and the water is perfectly clear for swimming, snorkelling, and boating.

It may be on the Pacific Coast, but the water and sand will fool you into thinking you’re on the Caribbean. The nearby towns of Playa Brasilito and Playa Flamingo have hotels and accommodations. In my opinion, this is also a great family-friendly destination. 

My must-do highlights…

• Relax to the sound of the waves whilst having a massage on the white shell shores.
• Hire a jet ski and have some fun out on the bright blue waters.
• Walk the entire stretch of the beach to admire a change in the color of sand and water.

10. Tortuguero

Across the country on the Caribbean is the mangrove forest and turtle nesting site of Tortuguero. This is one of the most diverse parks in the country, with canals, beaches, and marshland.

You can rent kayaks or canoes and explore the wetlands, spotting all kinds of wildlife, such as caymans, birds, and even crocodiles. This area is most famous for its turtle hatching, which happens on the beach at night.

My must-do highlights…

• Explore through the canals, rivers and lagoons with a guided boat tour.
• Have a unique fine dining experience at the Katonga Floating Restaurant.
• Take a walk along the beach’s soft sand, a perfect spot to watch the sunset. 

11. Montezuma

Located in the southern part of the Nicoya Peninsula, this is a wonderful gem. It’s mostly known for its long sandy beach, surrounding jungle, and coves.

There’s also a popular surf beach in the area, Romelia Wildlife Reserve, a turtle sanctuary and hatchery, and even Montezuma Waterfall, which comprises a series of cascades and natural pools.

It’s a laid-back place with a hippie beach town vibe, where visitors can spend their days kicking back and enjoying the sea, sun, and sand!

My must-do highlights…

• Visit the epic Montezuma Waterfalls, well known for being a must-see attraction.
• Enjoy live music located at different bars across the area in the afternoon and evening time.
• Check out the organic Saturday market, a popular and vibrant place to start your weekend right.

12. Corcovado National Park

National Geographic named the Osa Peninsula the most intense place on earth regarding biodiversity. Corcovado National Park is truly undisturbed wilderness, particularly the area surrounding the La Sirena River.

The beaches are wild and stunning, with sharks and crocodiles swimming in the river mouth.

Animals like pumas, peccaries, monkeys, and tapirs live in the jungle and are sighted often. Old-growth trees and gorgeous flowers are everywhere. This park truly embodies the pure jungle beauty of this country! 

My must-do highlights…

• Take a boat ride to arrive at the park, you will also be able to enjoy the scenic journey along the way.
• Book a tour of the area that allows you to stay overnight in the jungle amongst the beautiful nature.
• Hike around the designated trails to explore through the amazing trees and flowers.

13. Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge

The Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge is on the far south Caribbean coast next to Panama. Its gorgeous hidden beaches are perfect for snorkelling when the sun shines and the sea becomes flat. Surfers love it during storms and big swells.

The golden sand and turquoise ocean are distinctly Caribbean. If you go deep enough, the jungle is filled with incredible animals, including howler monkeys, sloths, and jaguars.

My must-do highlights…

• Go snorkelling in the visibly clear waters to discover the spectacular landscape under the water.
• Stroll along the golden sand shores that are lined with coconut palms and almond trees.
• Enjoy the sun’s rays by lying on the beach for a relaxing day or afternoon.

14. Isla Tortuga

Isla Tortuga is exactly what it sounds like. It is an island which is home to a unique community of turtles. Turtle Island is the common name for this relaxing, unspoiled atmosphere.

Visitors can choose from several tour opportunities and activities such as scuba diving, canopy tours, and hiking. Still, many tourists choose to relax on the beach and enjoy the quiet simply.

Isla Tortuga can only be reached by boat, and it will take approximately one hour to reach its sandy shores.

My must-do highlights…

• Take a guided sea kayaking excursion. It’s a bit more hard work than on a lake, but the surrounding scenery is a reward.
• Indulge in a BBQ on the beach, where you can eat delicious food whilst soaking up the incredible views.
• Pick up a souvenir from one of the many shops to remind you of the trip. 

15. Poas Volcano

Arenal may be the most popular active volcano in the country, but Poas, just an hour outside of San Jose, is one of the most beautiful places in the country.

In the center of the main volcano crater is a blue-green lake that emits bubbles and smoke.

The park surrounding the volcano is dense with wildlife, clouds, and rain forest. On a clear day, you can see the Atlantic and Pacific coasts from the top of the volcano.

My must-do highlights…

• Get your camera ready to capture picturesque Insta-worthy shots of the unique vibrant lake.
• Appreciate the views that stretch across the Atlantic and Pacific coasts on a gorgeous day.
• Check out the nearby rainforests in the park that feature magnificent greenery.

16. Bajos del Toro

Bajos del Toro is not in the center of town. It is an area that is perfectly off the beaten path. This hidden gem is approximately 90 minutes from San Jose, but you will have to walk a while. Bajos del Toro, however, is truly worth the walk.

It is a private reserve full of exceptionally beautiful waterfalls and unique pools. If you want to enjoy the water in a tropical setting and take epic pictures of your journey, Bajos del Toro delivers perfectly.

My must-do highlights…

• Visit one of the coldest waterfalls in the country, Blue Falls. Well known for being a perfect piece of nature.
• Hike along the Parque Nacional del Agua Juan Castro Blanco filled with color and beauty.
• Have a go at canyoning, a fun and adventurous activity to do that can be equipped to all levels.

17. Tamarindo Beach

This beach is known for its surfing, but many choose to kick back and stay for a while. Located in the Guanacaste province, it started as a small village and has now grown into one of the most popular places to visit in the Central American country.

It’s a long and pretty sandy beach with fantastic waves. However, there can be a strong current, so caution is advised if you’re a newbie surfer. If you fancy a try, hotels in the area can set you up with a nearby water sports rental.

My must-do highlights…

• Hit the waves at the beach with some surfing, which is known for having some of the best breaks in the world.
• Embark on a private ATV tour to see the scenic forests, rivers, countryside and more.
• Soar through the sky for a bird’s eye view above the area on a thrilling zipline.

18. Rio de Celeste

With glowing milky blue waters, I personally think it’s easy to understand why the Rio de Celeste is so loved! 

Inside Tenorio Volcano National Park, the Rio de Celeste gets its opalescent hue from the volcano’s mix of sulfur and calcium carbonate. Enjoy the river by playing in the waterfall or soaking in the hot springs.

My must-do highlights…

• Chill out in the gorgeous hot springs.
• Take a dip in the base of the waterfall for a refreshing activity.
• Grab a stunning picture underneath the waterfall.

19. Rincon de la Vieja National Park

Have you ever wanted to see an active volcano up close? Many people find this notion exciting, and in Rincon de la Vieja National Park, you can get your volcanic fix.

The park is known for high levels of geothermic activity, and hiking up Rincon de la Vieja, an active volcano, is a remarkable experience.

Geothermic studies are common in the area, and if you have ever wanted to learn about volcanic activity, Rincon de la Vieja National Park is an excellent resource for that. It is not all about education but offers some insanely beautiful photo ops, as waterfalls are an amazing attraction in this area.

My must-do highlights…

• For those looking to have a memorable experience, hike up to the active volcano, something you will never forget.
• Swim and relax in the stunning blue hot springs, a natural outdoor spa.
• Have a great time taking part in the river tubing activity.

20. Playa Ostional

Located in one of the best beach towns in the country, this is one of the most incredible sights! It is the arribada of hundreds of thousands of leatherback turtles on the beaches of the Ostional Wildlife Refuge.

The week before the new moon, hundreds to hundreds of thousands of female turtles come onto the shore at night to lay their eggs.

When the eggs hatch several weeks later, participants come to the beach to protect them from dogs and vultures as they make their way back to the sea.

My must-do highlights…

• Take a walk before breakfast to listen to the sounds of nature in the forest.
• Book a sunset catamaran tour which is filled with water sports amenities to enjoy before watching the sun go down.
• Be amazed by the delicious food offered in the array of restaurants across the area.

21. San José

San José is the capital and largest city, with a population of over 350,000. Although it’s known for its majestic volcanoes and green hills, San José also offers a wide variety of attractions.

San José is split into neighborhoods that are called barrios. One of the most iconic is Barrio Amón where you can explore a crucial part of the city’s history. It’s also a place where you can visit one of the most magnificent architectural sites in the country.

There is also the downtown part called El Centro, where there is a blend of businesses and cultural centers. You will find anything from retail shops to world-class museums. 

My must-do highlights

• Visit the historic and interesting tourist site of Winchester Mystery House, filled with stories.
• Stroll through the 6-acres of the beautifully prepared Japanese Friendship Garden.
• Be inspired by the fascinating exhibits at the Tech Museum of Innovation.